Gardaí are tonight poised to begin a murder inquiry following the violent deaths of a mother and her eight-year-old daughter in Killorglin in Co Kerry.

The bodies of Lithuanian national, Jolanta Lubiene (27) and her daughter, Enrika, were found by gardaí at 8.30pm last night when they called to a two storey semi-detached house at Langford Downs.

It is understood both of the victims had suffered stab wounds. Ms Lubiene had been living in Ireland for several years and working locally.

The estate is a modern, privately-built residential development is about half a mile from Killorglin town centre.

It is understood the alarm was raised after someone called to the home.

Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster conducted a preliminary examination of the scene earlier today and both bodies have now been removed to Kerry General Hospital for full post-mortem examinations.

Gardaí have appealed to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Langford Downs area on Friday or Saturday or have any information that can assist gardai to contact them at Killarney Garda Station on 064-6631222.

Patrick Connor-Scarteen, a local Fine Gael councillor, said everyone in the town is shocked by what happened. “It’s a tragedy in such a quiet town. It’s horrific to hear of such a thing,” he said.